Alocasia (Elephant’s ear) is a genus of tropical plants, with large, heart-shaped or arrow-shaped leaves, often with intricate patterns. Native to the tropics and subtropics of Asia and Eastern Australia, they grow from large rhizomes or tubers. They make exotic house plants in the UK, where their large, dramatic leaves take centre stage.
Several alocasia species are popular house plants, including Alocasia amazonica (sometimes known as Alocasia ‘Polly’), Alocasia zebrina, Alocasia reginula ‘Black Velvet’ and Alocasia wentii. Their leaves vary from slender, arrow-head shapes to wide heart-shaped leaves. Some have colourful veins and may be waxy, furry or glossy to touch.
Bear in mind that all plants in the Alocasia genus are toxic when ingested, so be mindful if you have children or pets.
Alocasia plants, also known as elephant ear plants, are popular houseplants famous for their large, vibrantly colored leaves While you can buy new Alocasia plants, propagating your own from an existing plant is an easy and affordable way to expand your collection
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process of propagating Alocasia plants through division as well as provide care tips to ensure your new plant thrives.
Alocasia is a genus of tropical plants in the Araceae family that are native to southeast Asia and eastern Australia. There are over 70 species, with Alocasia ‘Polly’ and Alocasia ‘Amazonica’ being among the most popular houseplant varieties.
These plants are characterized by their large, heart-shaped or arrowhead-shaped leaves that come in various shades of green, as well as purple, bronze, and black depending on the variety. The leaves emerge from a central rhizome or bulb.
Alocasias make excellent houseplants that add a dramatic, tropical flair. They thrive indoors in bright, indirect light and humid conditions. Propagation allows you to create new plants without having to purchase them.
When to Propagate Your Alocasia
The best time for Alocasia propagation is during the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. This gives the divided rhizomes the best chance to develop their own root systems before going dormant in winter.
Avoid propagating in the fall or winter when the plant is not actively growing, as the divisions may not thrive if they don’t have time to establish roots before the cool weather arrives.
How to Propagate an Alocasia Plant Through Division
Division is the most common and reliable method of Alocasia propagation. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Remove the Plant from its Pot
Start by gently removing your Alocasia from its pot. You may need to loosen the roots from the edges by gently massaging the sides of the pot.
Turn the pot on its side and slide the plant out. Handle the plant carefully to avoid damaging the stems and leaves.
Step 2: Wash Away Extra Soil
Use your fingers or a gentle stream of water to remove excess soil clinging to the roots and rhizomes. This allows you to clearly see the rhizome divisions.
Step 3: Divide the Rhizomes
Locate the rhizome from which multiple stems are growing. Use sterile, sharp scissors or a knife to cut the rhizome into segments, with 2-3 stems each.
Make clean cuts rather than tearing the rhizomes to minimize stress and damage. Each divided section will grow into a new plant.
Step 4: Prepare New Pots
Fill 3-4 inch pots with a well-draining potting mix, leaving 1-2 inches at the top. Plant each divided rhizome segment in its own pot, spreading the roots out.
Step 5: Water Thoroughly
Water each newly potted division thoroughly to settle the soil. Allow any excess water to drain out to prevent root rot.
Step 6: Provide Ideal Conditions
Place your propagated Alocasias in a bright spot, but avoid direct sun which can scorch the leaves. Maintain warm temperatures around 70-80°F and high humidity.
Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season for strong growth.
Caring for Newly Propagated Alocasia Plants
With the right care, your propagated Alocasia divisions will establish quickly and transform into full-sized, beautiful plants. Here are some tips:
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Light: Bright, indirect light is essential. Avoid direct sun which can burn the foliage.
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Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Take care not to overwater or leaves may yellow.
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Humidity: Mist leaves and provide humidity around 60% or higher.
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Temperature: Ideal temps are 70-80°F. Keep away from cold drafts.
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Soil: Use a fertile, well-draining potting mix. Repot when rootbound.
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Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer.
With attentive care and optimal conditions, your new Alocasia plants will flourish. The propagation process is highly rewarding and allows you to expand your plant collection affordably.
Troubleshooting Issues With Propagated Alocasia Plants
While Alocasia propagation is fairly straightforward, you may encounter some issues along the way. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Problem: Leaves turning yellow or brown.
Solution: This often results from overwatering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Increase sunlight exposure.
Problem: Wrinkled, drooping leaves.
Solution: Indicates underwatering. Water more frequently to keep soil consistently moist.
Problem: Few new leaves emerging.
Solution: Fertilize regularly and increase light exposure to encourage new growth.
Problem: Stems rotting at soil line.
Solution: Usually caused by overly wet soil. Allow soil to dry out further between waterings.
Problem: Leaf spots or mushy stems.
Solution: Can indicate bacterial or fungal disease. Improve air circulation. Disinfect pruning shears between cuttings.
With attentive care and quick troubleshooting, your propagated Alocasias will thrive and grow into stunning statement plants. Enjoy watching your plant collection expand!
Frequently Asked Questions About Alocasia Propagation
How long does it take for propagated Alocasia to grow?
Most propagated Alocasias will be established and putting out new leaves within 6-8 weeks. Full maturation can take 1-2 years. Growth rate depends on care and conditions.
What is the best soil mix for propagated Alocasia?
Use a fertile, well-draining potting mix amended with perlite or orchid bark for aeration. An Aroid or orchid potting mix works well.
Should I use rooting hormone when propagating Alocasia?
No, rooting hormone is not necessary for Alocasia propagation. The divided rhizomes will generate new roots naturally.
How big should pots be for propagated Alocasia divisions?
Use 3-4 inch pots initially. Repot into slightly larger pots as the new plants become more established and put out new leaves and roots.
Can I propagate Alocasia in water instead of soil?
Propagating Alocasia in water is challenging because the rhizomes tend to rot. It’s best to plant directly into a potting mix for the highest success rate.
How do I care for an Alocasia plant in winter after propagating?
Reduce watering frequency and hold off fertilizing in winter when plant growth slows. Maintain temperatures above 60°F and avoid drafts. Resume normal care in spring.
Enjoy Growing New Alocasia Plants!
Propagating Alocasia through division is an easy, low-cost way to expand your plant collection. With proper preparation, clean cuts, ideal growing conditions and attentive aftercare, your propagated plants will flourish beautifully.
The information in this guide gives you a step-by-step walkthrough to ensure propagation success. Avoid common missteps like overwatering and give your new plants the light and humidity they crave.
Troubleshooting along the way and making adjustments will lead to healthy, established Alocasia plants. Starting new plants from a prized specimen is highly rewarding. Enjoy watching your propagated Alocasia collection grow!
How to care for Alocasia
If you provide good levels of humidity and light, and water regularly so that the compost remains moist but is never waterlogged, you should have great success. Alocasias are fast-growing in summer – some can produce a new leaf per week – however they stop growing when they become dormant in winter, and may even die down and lose their leaves. Feed with liquid fertilizer once or twice a month in summer.
Alocasia leaves shrivel and die occasionally – this is perfectly normal. Simply remove shrivelled leaves as they appear.
How to propagate Alocasia by root cuttings
Some Alocasias can be propagated by root cuttings.
1. Remove the plant from its pot
Remove the plant from its pot and use sharp scissors to cut pieces of thick, fleshy root around 10cm long.
2. Lay the root cuttings on compost
Mix peat-free compost with perlite (around a ratio of 70:30) and firm it into a tray. Lay the root cuttings flat on the compost mix, leaving about 2cm between them.
3. Cover the cuttings with grit
Cover the root cuttings with horticultural grit and then water the whole tray using a watering can with a hose, and leave to drain. Keep the tray in a warm, light spot out of direct sunlight. New growth should appear within six weeks.